Destination Guides: Anchorage, United States - Events & Entertainment

Events

January

Sled Dog Races

Each weekend races are conducted by the Alaskan Sled Dog & Racing Association. January through February. Tozier Memorial Track. (907) 562-2235

Anchorage Folk Festival

Locals and celebrity artists entertain. University of Alaska Anchorage.

(907) 566-2334

Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival

(907) 562-9911

Annual Symphony of Seafood

Showcases new products made from wild Alaska salmon and white fish.

(907) 276-7315

February

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous

One of the largest winter carnivals in North America - a 10-day celebration that includes the World Championship Dog Sled Race, fireworks, outdoor games and more.

(907) 274-1177

March

Tour of Anchorage Cross-Country Ski Race

A premier marathon that is part of the American Ski Marathon Series.

(907) 561-0949

Iditarod Sled Dog Race

More than 1,000 dogs line up to start the world's best known dog race. Mushers trek by dog sled following old gold rush trails in what is called the "The Last Great Race on Earth" from Anchorage to Nome. The 1,049 miles to Nome begins in downtown Anchorage on 4th Avenue.

(907) 376-5155

April

Native Youth Olympics

More than 100 young people from across the state come together in Anchorage to demonstrate their favorite Native Games, keeping alivethe many traditional contests of their forefathers.

(907) 265-5981

Alyeska Resort Spring Carnival

2002 marks the 25th year for this Carnival which welcomes spring with great skiing, events such as the Slush Cup, prizes & activities, a beach party, food, drinks and fun. Girdwood.

(907) 754-2209.

May

Open Air Markets

Held Tuesdays in Eagle River, Wednesdays at Northway Mall, and Saturdays in downtown Anchorage. Displayed are a huge variety of goods including Alaska grown produce, fresh seafood from Alaska’s waters, spectacular and unique works of art, Alaska made crafts and gifts. Wednesday & Saturday Market: (907) 272-5634. Tuesday Market: (907)694-4702.May-September.

Music in the Park

Summer Concert Series held Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-1 p.m., 4th Ave & E Street Park (907)279-5650

May

Irish Music and Cultural Festival

A Celtic celebration of food, music and dance.

(907) 566-2028

June

Semi-pro Baseball

Anchorage's two semi-pro teams play under the midnight sun at Mulcahy Stadium, June through August. Anchorage Bucs (907) 561-2827; Anchorage Glacier Pilots (907) 274-3627.

Three Barons Renaissance Fair

Village peasants, merchants and nobles wear the dress of the period, speak "olde" English and entertain as they did for royalty.

(907) 868-8012

Blues on the Green

An all day outdoor blues celebration with live entertainment from national and local blues bands. Delicious foods, unique merchandise, and cultural/community booths

(907) 272-1341/1800-478-7328.

Ship Creek King Salmon Derby

Downtown annual event. Ship Creek.

(907) 276-647

Juneteenth

The third Saturday of every June is now recognized as a state holiday. "JUNETEENTH DAY" is the celebration of freedom and diversity. Everyone is welcome to participate & enjoy food, fun, and entertainment.

(907) 278-1778

Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon

Celebrate the summer solstice with a marathon that attracts runners from around the world.

(907) 343-4474

AWAIC Summer Solstice Festival

Outdoors festival packed with food, Alaska-made items and free entertainment to benefit the Abused Women's Aid in Crisis shelter. Town Square.

(907) 279-9581

July

Mount Marathon Race

This annual race starts in downtown Seward, runs up a mountain and returns to downtown. July 4^th annually. (907) 224-8051

Bear Paw Festival

Annual celebration featuring the Teddy Bear Picnic & Family Fun Day, Classic Car Show, Miss Bear Paw Pageant, 5K fun run, Slippery Salmon Olympics, Quilt Show & Auction.

(907) 694-4702

Girdwood Forest Faire

Arts and crafts, music and food all weave through a forest. There are games and fun for all ages, as well as the Midnight Sun Paragliding Fly-In and 5K Fun Run. Girdwood.

(907) 783-2931

August

Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival

A four day camp-out music festival, under the never-dark summer skies of Alaska. Bands play 20 out of 24 hours! Talkeetna.

(907) 696-1668

Alaska State Fair

The state's largest fair with craft booths, live entertainment and farm exhibits, including 90 pound cabbages and other giant vegetables. Palmer Fairgrounds (907) 754-4827

September

Alyeska Blueberry & Mountain Arts Festival Weekend of great food and wine, creative arts and crafts, and rousing folk music. (907) 754-1111

Alaska Airlines annual "Autumn Classics" Bringing together an international cast of musicians to perform a great variety of music. (907) 747-6774

October

Quyana Alaska

Native dance celebration held in conjunction with the annual Alaska Federation of Natives convention. (907) 274-3611

Johnson/Nissan Hockey Classic See four top-ranked college teams compete in this fast-paced hockey tournament. (907) 786-1230

November

The Dickens Holiday Food and Gift Festival Old fashioned holiday bazaar.

(907) 277-7469

Annual Crafts Emporium at the Egan Center Holiday crafts fair with fun and holiday opportunities for the whole family.

(907) 263-2800

CARRS/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout

Top-ranked men's basketball teams compete in this nationally-recognized college tournament.

(907) 786-1230

Ballet West's "The Nutcracker Ballet" The magic of the Nutcracker returns annually. Music by the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. (800) 478-7328

Late November

Annual Crafts Weekend At the Museum A big winter crafts event-just in time for Holiday Shopping! There are many artists, authors, and craftspeople who will display and sell their work. Includes holiday music and the opening of the Annual Dolls & Toys Exhibition.

(907) 343-4326

December

Swedish Christmas Celebration

Enjoy traditional Swedish decorations and customs at the Oscar Anderson House Museum. (907) 274-2336

Anchorage International Film Festival

The highly successful annual Anchorage International Film Festival is held during winter solstice, the darkest and coldest part of the year. Local movie buffs have a chance to catch some of the hottest offerings in independent films and to meet film makers and shakers from around the globe. The main venue, Bear Tooth Theater Pub, is popular with locals and visitors alike.

Enchanted World Robotic performers in authentic costumes depict customs from around the world. (907) 276-2087

New Years Eve

“Just Desserts” Cross-country run on lighted trails. Entry fee: Your favorite dessert! (907) 343-4474

Annual Gala & Dinner Party Alyeska Resort with Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display.

(907) 754-1111

Annual New Years Eve Ball with the Anchorage Opera at the Hotel Captain Cook

(907) 279-2557

Arts and Entertainment

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

One of only 22 multi-theatre performing arts centers in the country.

170,000-square-foot facility

Three theaters seating 2,000, 700 and 340 people.

Lobby carpeting & seat upholstery designed by Alaskan artists 23 Native masks on display

Hosts everything from Broadway shows and performing artists of world renown to local professional productions

Tours available in summer; call 263-2900.

4th Avenue Theatre

630 W. 4th Ave.

This Art Deco-style landmark first opened in 1947, survived the 1964 earthquake, and was completely refurbished in 1992. Contains shops and the original floor-to-ceiling bronze murals.

George M. Sullivan Arena

Recorded event & ticket information, (907) 566-1596

8,000-seat facility Olympic-sized ice rink with insulated floor covering

Hosts large-scale sporting events, concerts and trade shows.

Home rink of the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolf and semi-pro Anchorage Aces hockey teams.

William A. Egan Center

For more information, call 263-2800.

Alaska's largest meeting and convention center.

Named for the state of Alaska's first governor

Completed in 1984.

UAA's Wendy Williamson Auditorium

3211 Providence Dr. (907) 274-5522.

Nearby Alaska Pacific University hosts productions, as well, in its Grant Hall.

University of Alaska Anchorage plays host to many musicians, theatrical productions, and events in its Wendy Williamson Auditorium, built in 1975.

Anchorage Concert Association

430 W. 7th Ave, Suite 200;

Anchorage, AK 99501

272-1471

The Anchorage Concert Association (ACA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the world's best performing artists to Alaska .